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Stray German Shepherd’s Reaction to Hearing Her Name Will Melt Your Heart
Rocky Kanaka
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As I walked into the shelter that morning, the air was filled with a mix of disinfectant and the faint smell of dog food. I wasn’t prepared for the encounter that would leave a lasting impression on my heart. “Alright, what do we have today?” I mused aloud, greeting the furry residents. Among them, a pair of eyes caught my attention, a German Shepherd with a story yet to be told. (Watch full video above)
The First Encounter
“Alright, what do we have today?” I asked as I approached her kennel. There she was, a beautiful dog, her coat a tapestry of tan and black. She was tucked away in the corner, her posture speaking volumes of the uncertainty she felt. “Why are you hiding back there?” I asked gently, though I knew the answer was written in the walls of her temporary home.
The Art of Connection
I grabbed a blanket and sat down, creating a makeshift sanctuary on the cold shelter floor. In these moments, I’m not just a visitor; I’m a bridge to the outside world for these dogs. I turned my back slightly to her, a gesture of peace in the dog world, and waited for her to make the first move.
The Power of a Simple Treat
I’ve learned over the years that treats are more than just snacks; they’re tools of communication. “Let’s see if a treat will go anywhere,” I said, extending a piece of kibble towards her. She hesitated, then took it, her teeth inadvertently grazing my fingers. It wasn’t aggression, just a lack of gentle guidance in her past. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, and I could tell she was eager to learn, to understand this new dynamic.
???? These Are The Treats I Use
The Comfort of Casual Conversation
I started talking, not directly to her, but to the camera. It’s a trick I’ve picked up that serves two purposes: it helps my online community feel connected to our journey, and it eases the dog’s anxiety. When I’m not focusing solely on her, she doesn’t feel the need to be on high alert. It’s a subtle dance of distraction and comfort that works wonders.
Deciphering the Intake Card
The intake card attached to her kennel was sparse. “Eight-year-old German Shepherd, female, not spayed,” it read. But looking at her, I saw a younger spirit. The card also mentioned “owner known,” which usually implies abandonment. Yet, there was a microchip—a beacon of hope that her owners might be out there, searching for her.
The Language of Ears and Eyes
As I sat with her, I noticed a few things. “Ears up are good,” I said, noting her alertness. It’s a sign of friendliness, of interest. If her ears were pinned back, it would mean fear or aggression. But she was watching me, curious and cautious. That’s when I knew we were making progress.
The Treats Tell a Tale
She took treats as if they were a novelty, chomping down with an eagerness that spoke of scarcity. “She’s taking treats like she hasn’t had a lot of treats,” I observed. It’s not uncommon for shelter dogs to be hesitant with treats, but Princess was different. She was hungry for more than just food; she was starved for attention, for interaction.
The Shepherd’s Story Unfolds
I talk about German Shepherds, how they’re a breed that thrives on having a job to do. They’re workers at heart, and a shelter is no place for such an active mind. “They need guidance, training, structure, exercise,” I explained. Princess was no exception. She had the posture of a dog that’s used to being on the move, her muscles taut with potential.
The Heartbreak Behind the Intake Card
The intake card mentioned that the owner was known, which hit me hard. It meant that someone out there knew Princess was here, yet they hadn’t come for her. “Sometimes it’s financial,” I pondered, “They don’t have the funds to feed their dog or pay a fine.”
The Power of Patience
I spent time just sitting with her, letting her come to me in her own time. “After that whole, ‘Is this dog okay with me here?’ feeling dissipates, it allows for a little bit of heartbreak,” I admitted. It’s a feeling I’ve come to know well, the silent ache of seeing a loyal companion without their family.
A Glimmer of Hope
But then, a breakthrough. She let out a big breath, a sign of relaxation. “She’s okay,” I whispered, more to myself than to her. It was a small victory, a step towards trust. And trust is the foundation of everything we do here.
The Shepherd’s Name
We found out her name was Princess. When I called her by it, she perked up. “She knows her name,” I said with a smile. That’s important. It’s a part of her identity, a thread that connects her to her past and to her potential future with a new family.
The Waiting Game
The shelter staff told me they had been trying to contact her owners for two days with no response. My heart sank a little with each passing hour. “She has a whole ten days before they release her for adoption,” they reassured me. But in the shelter world, ten days can feel like an eternity.
The Shepherd’s Trust
As the day unfolded, Princess began to show signs of trust. She accepted treats more gently, allowed some petting, and even rolled over—a German Shepherd’s white flag of trust. “You’re a good girl, Princess,” I affirmed, knowing the power of a gentle voice and a kind word.
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The Harsh Reality of Time
Leaving her was the hardest part. I knew the clock was ticking on her stay at the shelter. “She’s got a whole week left on,” I reminded myself, trying to stay positive. But in the shelter world, a week can feel like a lifetime.
A Glimmer of Hope
As I stepped out of her kennel, I left her with a full treat stick, a small consolation for the loneliness to come. “You’re going to be taken care of,” I promised. And with that, I left, the image of her hopeful eyes burning in my memory.
Princess’s story is a reminder of the countless dogs waiting in shelters, each with their own needs and stories. It’s a call to action for anyone who’s ever considered opening their home to a dog in need. Will you be the one to write the next chapter in Princess’s story?
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